Don't go into these expecting lore deep-dives or emotional closure. These are designed for the fans who have stuck through the series' ups and downs and want to see the characters (and the writers) poke fun at themselves. If you watched the main season, the English dub of these specials is a mandatory, lighthearted palate cleanser. Pros: Hilarious meta-commentary in the "Making of" special. Exceptional voice acting that elevates the comedy. Creative, experimental animation styles. Cons: "Ciel in Wonderland" can feel a bit overlong.
The English dub is where these specials truly shine. J. Michael Tatum (Sebastian) and Brina Palencia (Ciel) clearly had a blast with the more comedic scripts. The voice cast’s ability to pivot from the show’s usual gothic melodrama to deadpan snark makes the parodies hit much harder than the subtitled versions. The "Making of" special, in particular, relies on the dub’s excellent comedic timing to land its jokes about "onset" diva behavior. Kuroshitsuji II Specials (Dub)
Adds zero value to the actual plot (for those seeking "canon" content). Don't go into these expecting lore deep-dives or
The animation quality remains consistent with A-1 Pictures' work on the main season. Even in the more bizarre segments like "The Story of Will the Reaper," the aesthetic remains sharp and polished. It’s a treat to see characters outside of their usual Victorian gloom, placed into technicolor dreamscapes or modern-day film sets. Pros: Hilarious meta-commentary in the "Making of" special
While Black Butler II remains the most polarizing season of the franchise, its six OVA specials are arguably its saving grace. Rather than trying to fix the messy narrative of the "Spider and the Dog," these specials lean into the absurd, the meta, and the fan-service-heavy charm that the series is known for.
The specials vary wildly in tone. You have the surreal "Ciel in Wonderland," which is a visually creative (if nonsensical) trip down the rabbit hole, and the "Making of Kuroshitsuji II," which treats the entire show like a live-action Hollywood production. The latter is the standout, offering a hilarious "behind-the-scenes" look at Claude and Sebastian as rival actors.
If you’re looking to post a "proper" review for the , you need to address that these aren't your typical plot-heavy episodes. They are experimental, self-aware, and—in the case of the English dub—absolute comedic gold. Review: Black Butler II Specials (English Dub) Overall Rating: 8/10